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On-line version ISSN 2078-5151Print version ISSN 0038-2361

S. Afr. j. surg. vol.49 n.4 Cape Town Nov. 2011

CASE REPORT

Sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy

A. Togo; M. Traoré; Y. Coulibaly; B. Samaké; G. Diallo

Gabriel Toure Hospital, Bamako, Mali

ABSTRACT

A 27-year-old woman, gravida 1, was seen at our surgical emergency department with abdominal pain at 25 weeks' gestation. She had pain, nausea and vomiting, a temperature of 37°C and a blood pressure of 100/70 mmHg. The cervix was closed, and an ultrasound scan showed a normal single fetus. A plain abdominal radiograph showed distension of the colon and a sigmoid volvulus. At emergency laparotomy, non-gangrenous sigmoid colon was resected with primary anastomosis. There were no complications, and 4 months later the patient delivered a healthy infant. Early diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy and prompt intervention minimise maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.